​​​​School prep starts before Prep – and it is the key to partnerships being developed between Christ the King School, Graceville and Catholic Early EdCare counterparts at Julia Cumming Community Child Care Centre. 

As agencies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, it's our priority to connect and ensure young learners as little as four are engaging with their future primary school. 

Positive student outcomes are the number one priority between kindergarten and Early Years educators, according to Christ the King Principal, Damien Sullivan. 

“It's important our incoming Prep students feel comfortable in their new school environment, and we achieve this by engaging with them before starting school," he said, listing playtime, library visits, gardening, and other special activities throughout the year among the initiatives. 

Christ the King School runs a buddy program partnering Year 5 students with local kindy students to encourage bonds between the school leaders and future Prep students.  

This week, Julia Cumming kindergarten students joined Christ the King School for their Under Eights Week Celebrations, participating in a range of activities including story time, sensory play and outdoor games. 

The occasion also brought along many special guests including Bishop Ken Howell, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police, Sam Streeter from Queensland Ambulance Service and Cr Nicole Johnston. 

“It's attending opportunities like this that make children feel safe and happy in their new school environment. It increases their confidence and assists with a smooth transition, which means on their first day they can let go of all worries and are ready to be learners."

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